Marcus' Cleaning

Storm Window Tip. Linville NC

marcus — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 13:14:40 +0000

One of the hardest types of windows to clean are storm windows. The first challenge can be just to remove them without breaking them. The second can be to make sure each storm is put back where it came from. If you happen to mix them up, you might wish you never tried to clean them. What we do when we clean storm windows is number each one. We number each individual storm and the screen. Also number the window frame where the set of storms came from. This will make putting the storms back in much easier. This also allows you to take the storms outside to clean them without the fearof knowing where they go.

Cloudy shower doors. Banner Elk

marcus — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 13:04:59 +0000

One thing that can be really annoying is cloudy shower doors. You scrub and scrub but they don’t come clean. Usually the problem is hard water stains. You might also notice this problem on windows where you water your outside plants. If the stains are not too bad, 0000 steel wool might take them off. CLR can also be effective. Be sure to try to test first in a spot that won’t be noticed to make sure you are not damaging the surface.

Another reason to clean out gutters. Newland NC

marcus — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 20:40:08 +0000

Another reason to clean out gutters is to avoid them from being damaged in the freezing weather. What is left in the gutters will freeze. If there are leaves, branches etc.. there is probably water too. That can result in damage to the gutter if it freezes and becomes too heavy. Snow and other Winter precipitation can add to the trouble.

Wet Basement? Banner Elk NC

marcus — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 14:15:12 +0000

One cause of a wet basement can be clogged gutters. If the water is not flowing freely through your gutters and away from the house, this can lead to water seeping into the basement. Time to check the gutters.

When is the best time to clean gutters? Linville NC

marcus — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 14:10:02 +0000

We normally get calls to clean out gutters in the Fall. The best time to clean gutters is when they need it. Take notice during the next hard rain. Is there places where the water is flowing over the gutter? Look at where the downspouts are. Is the water seem to be backing up there? If something does not seem right, it’s time to check the gutters.

Enemies of clean windows:Bugs! Banner Elk NC

marcus — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 11:32:34 +0000

One way to help keep your clean windows clean is to keep the bugs out of your house as best you can. Flies especially seem to soil the glass very quickly. When we clean garage windows it is amazing how fast flies will be attracted to the clean glass! To avoid this make sure to keep your doors closed. Also make sure your screens are in good repair, no holes. This applies to both windows and doors.

Want clean windows? Avoid the sun! Linville NC

marcus — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 23:51:25 +0000

When we clean windows we can only control the conditions so much. Bright sun is one factor we can try to control. You might take notice of when the sun is on the windows you want to touch up. To get the best results, clean the windows when the sun is off them. When you have your windows cleaned professionally the conditions that are ideal are overcast with a nice breeze.

I just had my windows cleaned, why do they still look dirty? Banner Elk NC

marcus — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 17:16:21 +0000

One explanation may be that the seal may be broken. Most windows have two panes of glass put together with a seal around the edges. If that seal breaks from age, weather conditions etc.. it allows air to get in between the panes. Since the air contains moisture it can leave behind what looks like drops of water. Sometimes it begins as a slight haze that gradually gets worse. There are some window companies that can repair this but many times the only option is replacing the window.

How to touch up your windows without water. Newland NC

marcus — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 17:00:21 +0000

One way to touch up your windows without water is by using 0000 grade steel wool. It will remove stubborn spots with just a little effort. It works especially well on fingerprints left by little ones. Also works for removing nose prints from pets. Make sure to use the oooo grade of steel wool so as not to scratch the glass. This type of steel wool can be found at Lowes, Home Depot and Wal-Mart.